An International Student's Path to a Career in Construction

August 01, 2025 / Lexi Velte / Tag: Construction Management (B.S.C.M.)

A man in a white polo holds a thumbs up in front of a sign that says Manhattan Building Excellence

Merko Kucaj moved from Europe to the United States with ambition and a promise to himself: “Make it count.” He became an international student in FGCU’s construction management program and graduated in May 2025.

“I wanted to make the decision to leave everything familiar behind mean something, and FGCU helped me with it,” he said.

Confidence, Direction, and Support

Merko said that the construction management program gave him more than just skills. It helped him feel more confident, gave him direction, and connected him with people who supported him.

“What truly made FGCU different was the people. My professors did not just teach, they mentored. They saw something in me, even before I saw it in myself. They invited me into research, trusted me with leadership, and constantly reminded me that I had more in me than I realized. Thanks to the mentorship I received and the hands-on nature of the program, doors started opening.”

Thanks to the mentorship I received and the hands-on nature of the program, doors started opening."

From Internship to Full-Time Career

Merko got a year-long internship at Manhattan Construction. There, he gained valuable experience and learned a lot about his field. After graduation, he was hired full-time at the company.

“As I transitioned to the role of project engineer, I took on greater responsibilities, leading projects and collaborating with teams.”

Advice to Future Students

When asked about what advice he’d give to current students, Merko said, “You don’t need to have it all mapped out; I never [did]. I moved to a different country and did not even know what [a] CM program was, but I took the chance on something unfamiliar, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.”

He said that the late-night assignments, site visits, and group projects helped shape who he is today.

He added, “You are not at FGCU just for a degree, but for the person you are becoming. Brick by brick, decision by decision, you are creating something that will last. FGCU is the place where I laid the foundation — the one I continue to build on every day. And one day, just like me, you will look back and realize: it was all worth it.”